Meet Judith Weaver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Judith Weaver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Judith, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has always been a part of my journey. Growing up in rural America, stifled by close minded non-risk takers I bumped heads from a young age. My first life changing risk was to move from that environment to the heart of NYC. There I found culture, academia and life changing opportunities Not knowing uptown from downtown I started my career at Columbia University where I spent 13 years. I also jumped into the political world through staffing a National Advisory Committee based in Washington DC. This got me into congressional hearings and Whitehouse dinners. (Attending the dinner where Shirley Chisholm announced her candidacy for president was a highlight). During this process I also birthed a child..

I learned so much by taking risks that when I took the risk of moving to Denver, my previous activities opened up more opportunities here in the mile high city. Once again opportunities opened up because I was willing to take the risk by jumping into something new. From academia to constructing affordable housing, and everything in between, I now find myself an art consultant and gallery owner. My life and career has been anything but dull because I was willing to take risks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work life does not fit into a box. I started out as an academic creating continuing education programs and staffing a National advisory council which was based in Washington DC. This introduced me to the wider world because of extensive travel. When I moved to Denver, I continued my program development work in the philanthropic world which included fundraising/development/public relations for Israel, higher education, the arts, social services and affordable housing. Through my work in affordable housing the opportunity came to participate in the development of 910 Arts,. This includes transforming a former 7-Up bottling building into artist studios and affordable live work units. This all happened on Santa Fe Drive just as the Art District was forming. I have had many roles at 910 Arts and in the Art District on Santa Fe and now own a gallery at 910 Arts and still hold a management role. I have also been a curator and have worked with many artists getting their art out into the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First and foremost, the Art District is top of my list. There are so many interesting places to experience the most interesting art and cultural activities in this 7 block strip along Santa Fe Drive in Denver. A visit to El Taco de Mexico and Room with Friends has to be a part of the day. For summer visits, Sunday evening City Park Jazz free concerts showcases the multicultural quirky side of Denver and you might see an eagle. A trip to the mountains is always on the agenda. My favorite is a trip to the water tank on Boreas Pass in Breckenridge. The hiking, wildflowers and views are spectacular and unforgettable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There was a teacher in my early high school years who took me under her wing allowing me a peek into the world of art, classical music and theater. She encouraged my curiosity and my interest in all things cultural. Against all odds, she got us out and about, stimulating my hunger for experiences beyond my limited world. Her name was Esther Diener and I had the chance to thank her years later. There are many others during my life but she opened my mind that there was so much out in the world for me to explore and to go for it.

Website: https://910arts.com

Instagram: Judith Weaver

Facebook: Judith Weaver

Image Credits
I took most of the photos. My daughter took one and my sister another. The are no professional photos.